Commendation Process

The University Police Department has established guidelines for recognizing employees who perform their duties in an above average or exceptional manner but might not meet the criteria for other university awards programs.

Chief's Award

Presented for participating or assisting in any randomly unique event, project, or situation of an exceptional nature; or making a significant contribution to the department or university by a one-time or continuing act or service in the public interest. May be presented for the performance of an outstanding act of police work and/or an act that displays superior intelligence and effort, and upholds the highest standards of police work.

Lifesaving Award

Presented for the performance of any lifesaving, first aid, first responder/CPR/AED effort that result in the saving of a life.

Award for Merit

Presented for the performance of an exceptional act of police work and/or an act that displays superior effort and upholds the highest standards of police work.

Award for Heroism

Presented for an act of outstanding courage without regard for personal safety.

Award for Valor

Presented for an extraordinary act of outstanding courage without regard for personal safety under circumstances that risk the member's own life.

Unsolicited commendations from citizens, students, faculty and staff serve as a valuable tool for evaluating an employee's job performance and are given considerable importance when an employee is being considered for promotion or a special duty assignment.

We welcome and encourage your positive feedback on the manner in which we do our jobs. If you are satisfied with a particular service or courteous consideration given to you by a University Police employee, please take a few moments to send a letter or email to the Chief of Police at togden@andrew.cmu.edu or give us a call on our non-emergency number, 412-268-6232.